ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 35

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 1996 SESSION

By Assemblywoman FARRAGHER and Assemblyman MALONE

An Assembly Resolution designating May 1996 as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month."

Whereas, Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread by deer ticks that initially causes flu-like symptoms and, in about 50% of the cases, a rash resembling a bulls-eye; later stages of the disease, which occur months and years after the initial tick bite, can produce neurological problems, cardiac disease and a chronic and debilitating form of arthritis; and

Whereas, Because symptoms are varied, non-specific and can mimic those of other illnesses, the diagnosis of Lyme Disease can be difficult. Serological tests can help doctors identify the disease but they are not reliable due to the fact that in earlier stages of the illness the tests are not helpful in making a diagnosis and they are not standardized; and

Whereas, 70% of Lyme Disease cases occur between the months of May and August, but off-season activity among ticks has been known to increase if there is a warming period during the winter months; and

Whereas, 786 new cases were reported in New Jersey in 1993 and the State ranks third nationally in Lyme Disease cases, with 5,413 of the total 57,206 cases reported nationally from 1984 to 1993. The number of cases may actually be higher since many are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all because some victims recover without seeking medical attention; and

Whereas, Lyme Disease is a treatable illness that can be prevented if certain precautionary steps are taken, including wearing long sleeves, tucking pants into socks when in a wooded area and using insect repellent; and

Whereas, Increased public awareness can help the State combat this important health problem; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The month of May 1996 shall be designated "Lyme Disease Awareness Month."

    2. The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

STATEMENT

    This resolution designates May 1996 as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month." The purpose of this resolution is to increase public awareness of Lyme Disease, an illness which is becoming a major health problem in New Jersey and throughout the United States.

Designates May 1996 as "Lyme Disease Awareness Month."